The Origins of Galwegians

From the Galwegians Yearbook 2008-09

The roots of Galwegians go back 120 years with IRFU records listing Galway Town RFC as an affiliated club as early as 1886. A decade later the Connacht Senior Cup was inaugurated and Galway Town RFC were its first winners, seeding our strong record in local rugby.

During these years it was a struggle for the rugby-playing community in Galway to support the Queens College, Galway Town and Old Galwegians which existed. Nevertheless, they survived and became significant as the founder members of Connacht branch when our province was recognised by the IRFU in 1904.

Old Galwegians and Galway Town merged under the Galway Town RFC name in 1910, being so strong they immediately won the 1910-11 Senior and Junior Cups. At this time Queens College RFC became UCG when the university became University College.

Soon after, World War I and the “troubled times” brought rugby to a halt. On resumption, Galway Town RFC lacked a home and began training at the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club on Earls Island. In 1922 it was finally decided to change name to Galwegian RFC as a better combination of the Galway Town and Old Galwegians names.

Galwegians First Fifteen at the Corrib Rowing & Yachting Clubhouse in 1922 in the club colours of black star on light blue jersey